Operation Indentification
Operation
Identification is a nationwide effort focused at reducing stolen goods
through the use of a property engraver to mark personal valuables, making
it more difficult for a thief to pawn the items. This program also increases
the chances of stolen property being returned to its rightful owner if
located by the police.
And it's easy to do:
Download the Operation ID inventory
Form 
- Purchase an engraver at any hardware store or you may borrow one from the Gilbert Police Crime Prevention Unit for 10 days by calling (480)635-7521.
- Mark your valuables in two places, one obvious and one hidden, using your Arizona Driver's License Number (if it is not your Social Security Number) or state identification. An identification engraving should look like this: L123456/AZ/94 (license number/state/expiration year).
- Along with marking your valuables, it is also important to take photographs or make a video of your personal belongings. Such items as silver, coin or stamp collections and jewelry that cannot be engraved should definitely be photographed. And do not forget to sign and date the backs of the photographs to assist in proving ownership.
- Make a written list of all of your property that is marked and/or photographed along with its estimated value and/or attach the items receipt. Also, copy all serial numbers from the products onto an Inventory List and place it in a safety deposit box or safe.
Should you have any additional questions regarding the use of this engraver or if you would like to know about other Gilbert Police Department Programs, please phone (480)503-6527.